News
In its response to the Covid-19 outbreak, Singapore’s global success story transformed into a narrative of institutionalised neglect. Scrutiny was drawn to the dismal living conditions of migrant workers as their infections skyrocketed. With regards to potential improvements in the housing standards of worker dormitories, there are two key questions to consider: ‘who pays’ and …
Racial Harmony Day in Singapore is observed on 21 July each year in the spirit of celebrating its racially diverse and harmonious population. Activities held on this day are largely organised by schools and grassroots groups, and typically involve traditional costumes, games, and delicacies from Singapore’s four ethnic races. Notably, Racial Harmony Day is also …
Multiculturalism and the politics of the spectacle in global Singapore Read More »
In Singapore’s 2020 general election (GE2020), the popular vote shifted against the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) as compared to GE2015, while the Workers’ Party seized a second group representation constituency (GRC) – Sengkang GRC – and retained Aljunied GRC with a convincing margin of almost 20%. In view of these results, Professor Ivan Png …
GE2020 commentary: How PAP performed better in SMCs compared to GRCs Read More »
Singapore’s 2020 general election (GE2020) results have revealed a few things. The results have perhaps revealed Singaporeans’ desire for a ‘new balance in politics’, Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam mentions. Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said that the People’s Action Party (PAP) must work on its appeal to young voters and address the economic pain …
The small constituency effect and WP factor: Analysing PAP performance at GE2020 Read More »
Assistant Professor Lin Weiqiang (NUS Department of Geography) was awarded the Social Science and Humanities Research (SSHR) Fellowship in 2019. Launched in 2018, the SSHR Fellowship aims to nurture local researchers by supporting them for five years in their independent research that adds value to Singapore. With this funding, A/P Lin is studying the future …
‘Social distancing’ is a commonly used phrase in the current COVID-19 era. While the intent is to maintain physical distance and minimise social contact, the use of ‘social distancing’ could be a misnomer. In ‘Against the Grain: Is it really social distancing’, an article in The Edge Malaysia, Professor Syed Farid Alatas (NUS Sociology) distinguishes …
Against the Grain: Is it really social distancing? Read More »
In ‘Being Chinese overseas’, The Straits Times recounts the life and times of University Professor Wang Gungwu (NUS History) who celebrated his 89th birthday last month. An eminent scholar specialising in Chinese history and in particular the story of overseas Chinese, Prof Wang’s own formative years during late stage colonialism in Indonesia, Malaysia, mainland China, …
The Singapore Food Festival is a month-long celebration that takes place annually from the end of June to the end of July. The festival consists of activities like chef culinary workshops, food competitions, and food-themed tours of local neighbourhoods. Participants can look forward to satisfying their food cravings and increasing their culinary knowledge of both …
Gastropolitical Encounters and the Political Life of Sensation Read More »
World Population Day is an annual event established by the United Nations that takes place on the 11 July, which seeks to raise awareness on the urgency and importance of population issues that span across family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, and human rights. One of the biggest population issues that Singapore faces is …
Growing up, we are often taught to be grateful for what we have and extend our gratitude by giving back and benefitting others. However, in today’s fast-paced and competitive society, we may forget to put our feelings of gratitude into action and behave in a selfish manner instead. In challenging times that call for togetherness, …